Talgo to convert night trains for high speed day use

SPAIN: RENFE has awarded Talgo a €107m contract to convert Series 7 Tren Hotel overnight trainsets into high speed day trains capable of operation at up to 330 km/h.

The contract, approved on February 5, covers 13 trainsets totalling 156 coaches. An option for a further six sets totalling 72 coaches would take the value of the deal to €151m.

Talgo said its Series 7 trainsets were the first it had designed specifically for use on high speed lines, and are currently suitable for revenue service at up to 220 km/h. They can also switch between 1 435 mm and 1 668 mm gauge at low speed without needing to stop.